Emotive cover

Emotive

A Perfect Circle · 2004

48 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of atmospheric rock and politically charged covers, enveloped in a sense of urgency and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Annihilation Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Passive — This track stands out as a powerful anthem against complacency, featuring emotive lyrics that resonate with listeners amidst societal apathy.
  • →
    Imagine — The band's rendition of this iconic John Lennon song transforms it into a poignant reflection on hope and disillusionment, maintaining its timeless message.
  • →
    Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums — Blending dark melodies with stark imagery, this track critiques war through unsettling soundscapes, embodying the album's thematic focus on conflict.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of covers and originals creates an engaging but uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks employ layered instrumentation, creating a dense atmosphere that contrasts with the sparse vocal delivery.
  • The pacing shifts notably between tracks, with some maintaining a steady tempo while others build to climactic crescendos.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • reflective emotional exploration
  • thought-provoking lyrical themes
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • immersive listening experience

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Features politically charged covers, showcasing a departure from original material.
Career context
Released on November 2, 2004, 'Emotive' is A Perfect Circle's third studio album, following their 2000 release 'Mer de Noms.' This album arrives during a period of significant political turmoil in the U.S., allowing the band to explore themes of social critique and introspection more deeply than ever before.
Stylistic neighbors
Tool· Deftones· Porcupine Tree

Tracklist

  • 1 Annihilation Start here 2:13
  • 2 Imagine 4:48
  • 3 Peace Love and Understanding 5:03
  • 4 What’s Going On 4:53
  • 5 Passive 4:10
  • 6 Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie 2:18
  • 7 People Are People 3:43
  • 8 Freedom of Choice 2:59
  • 9 Let’s Have a War 3:28
  • 10 Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums 5:36
  • 11 When the Levee Breaks 5:55
  • 12 Fiddle and the Drum 3:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata